The paper suggests Ward's large contract, though, could be an issue for the Wild.

Halak was traded by St. Louis to the Sabres on Friday in a larger deal centering around star netminder Ryan Miller, whom the Wild was also interested in.

Halak is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Wild beat reporter Michael Russo notes the team could also use a goal-scorer and a defenseman, in addition to a goaltender, but is unlikely to address all three areas given the team's proximity to the salary cap.